Carlos Claimed for a sister

Today I'm delighted to welcome author Rachelle Ayala back to my blog as she tours the internet with her latest Sanchez Sisters novel, Claiming Carlos. This time Rachelle's staying here long enough for a cup of coffee, so find a mug, add cream and sugar to taste, and join us as we sit on the sofa and chat. (Don't forget to rinse your cup before you leave, and don't miss the giveaway at the end of this post.)

When did you first start writing fiction, Rachelle?

I’ve written short stories for myself since I was little, but didn’t start a novel until 2010 when I decided to write a story about a Bible heroine, Michal. The words flowed and before I knew it, I had a first draft. Obviously it needed a lot of revision and help, so I went to Critique Circle and spent almost two years learning the craft, taking classes at Savvy Authors, and revising my novel. After that, I was hooked and here I am, ten books later.

Ten books! That's pretty impressive. So what genres have you tried your hand at?

I’ve stuck mostly in the Romance genre, from historical romance to romantic suspense to light-hearted and humorous romances. Whenever I watch a movie or read a book, I’m always looking for the love story angle.

What made you choose to write romantic fiction?

As I mentioned, I’m always looking for the love story in any piece of fiction or real life. I’m a romantic. I believe in the power of love to overcome obstacles and feel that everyone should find love at least once in their lives.

Sounds good to me! How long does it take you to write a book?

I can write a first draft in about a month, sometimes less. However, depending on the book, the story, the research required, or whether I went down some unbelievable tangent, revision and editing can take much longer. It’s hard to put a timeline because I won’t publish a story until I believe it is perfect.

As I reader, I certainly appreciate books that are polished that way, so thank you, Rachelle. Where do you get your ideas from?

They fly through the air and stick to me. It’s usually a character who gets the ball rolling. I start thinking about the character and some situations they got themselves into. Or I think of something funny that I want to include in a story and build the story and character from there.

Where do you see your writing going next?

I don’t plan my writing, so it goes wherever whim and creativity takes me. I always surprise myself in retrospect and wonder how I ended up writing the story or characters I happen to write.

That sounds like half the fun of writing. But is there a message you'd like to convey to your readers, besides entertaining them?

Mostly that love is universal and that everyone deserves to be loved and appreciated. I like taking characters who are down on their luck, or have some other flaw holding them back, and through falling in love, they discover something noble about themselves while breaking free of whatever obstacle that was holding them back.

And finally, how long is your to-read list, and do you mind that it might take me a while to get around to reading and reviewing Claiming Carlos?"

I have over 3600 items in my Kindle library, in addition to KindleUnlimited and Scribd accounts, so it’s safe to say I have probably 100 lifetimes worth of reading. I book-surf, much like guys channel-surf, reading a few paragraphs of a book in my library before jumping to another. If a book grabs me, then I’m in. I understand you also have a big pile of books to read, and I only hope my first chapter will jump out and grab you by the knees and not let go. Thanks so much for interviewing me and putting me on your blog. I really do appreciate all of your support and friendliness.

I'm trying to be disciplined and wait, but those first paragraphs are calling me. Thank you for visiting my blog, Rachelle, and I hope the release is going well.

About the book:

Choco Sanchez is stuck in a rut. She's never hit a softball and has been friends forever with Carlos Lopez, the head cook at her family's Filipino restaurant. When flashy restaurant consultant Johnny Dee hits her with a pitch, she falls head over heels and gets a makeover

Carlos Lopez is not about to lose one for the home team. Johnny launches a full scale change on the menu, and Carlos sends him straight into the dumpster. Claiming Choco's heart proves more difficult. But never underestimate a man who can cook hot, spicy, and steamy, and we ain't talking just food.

About the author:

Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Rachelle is the founder of an online writing group, Romance in a Month, an active member of the California Writer's Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has won awards in multicultural and historical romance.

Find her at:

Website: http://rachelleayala.me/

Blog: http://www.rachelleayala.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelleAyalaWriter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AyalaRachelle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5753921.Rachelle_Ayala

About the tour:

17th November

Cindy - Spotlight

Deea - Spotlight

KyAnn Waters - Spotlight

Lori - Review

Sheila Deeth - Interview